Can Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Freshwater Shark (Wallago) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Freshwater Shark (Wallago) together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 15000 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)

Pangasius sanitwongsei

Freshwater Shark (Wallago)

Wallago attu

🐟Family Group
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Catfish
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Catfish
Temperament
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Aggressive (8/10)
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Highly Aggressive (10/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
24–28Β°C
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
19–29Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
6.5–7.5
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
6–7.6
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
2–15
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
1–20
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Freshwater Only
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
High
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 15000 L
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
15000 L
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
5500 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
MiddleBottom
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesJumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Freshwater Shark (Wallago)?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Freshwater Shark (Wallago) is highly aggressive (10/10). This modest difference means Freshwater Shark (Wallago) may occasionally assert dominance over Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark).

Both Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Freshwater Shark (Wallago) are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Freshwater Shark (Wallago) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 2–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Freshwater Shark (Wallago) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 15000 litres with a minimum length of 600 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots β€” caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters β€” so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with high (river/stream) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Freshwater Shark (Wallago) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 15000 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Freshwater Shark (Wallago) need?

A minimum of 15000 litres (tank length at least 600 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Freshwater Shark (Wallago) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. A target of around 26.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) or Freshwater Shark (Wallago) aggressive?

Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Freshwater Shark (Wallago) is highly aggressive (10/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Freshwater Shark (Wallago) need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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